Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told 3AW radio in Melbourne there was obviously some controversy about the date, as there was about most things, and to "stick with Australia Day on the 26th".

Former West Australian of the Year and former head of the Australia Day Council WA Robert Isaacs said it was divisive and concerning that a council was behaving contrary to what reconciliation was all about.

"Everyone around Australia has the opportunity to bring this nation together. Forget about the past and look at the good things," he told 6PR radio.